TM 5-2330-325-13&P
0005
TYPES OF LOADS - Continued
Eccentric Loads. A load that has its CG positioned off to one side is an eccentric load. The degree of
offset is a critical factor to the stability of the semitrailer. Problems encountered may vary from leaning of
the semitrailer, to severe leaning, instability, and/or damage or yielding of the semitrailer frame.
High CG Loads. A load with a high CG poses additional stability concerns. Reduce speed with this type
of load.
Outrigger Loads. Outrigger provides additional stability to wide-based loads. However, due to the
spacing of the outriggers, no concentrated loads are permitted on them. Some of the load, by design,
must bear on the semitrailer bed itself and only part of the load on the outriggers.
Divisible Loads. A load which has components that can be physically separated (such as two pieces of
equipment or vehicles) is considered a divisible load.
END OF TASK
LOAD DISTRIBUTION
WARNING
Improper load placement can have a detrimental effect on braking, evasive maneuvers,
and handling characteristics of a towing vehicle semitrailer vehicular combination. Failure
to comply may result in death or injury to personnel. Seek medical attention in the event of
an injury.
General
Load distribution is an important factor in the safe use of a semitrailer. It is more critical as the maximum load of
the semitrailer is approached. However, even a load that is significantly less than the overall limit of the semitrailer
can cause an overload situation if not distributed properly.
Vehicles and Equipment
The CG of the vehicles or equipment being loaded should be positioned as close as possible to the CG of the
semitrailer for the best weight distribution. The load deck should be considered to be the bed space between the
base of the gooseneck and the forward axle.
0005-2
02/13/2013root(opusualwp)wpno(O1002)